Front PageNational News

‘Coordination crucial to fight human trafficking’

Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal’s Justice Anaclet Chipeta has asked for coordination between local and international agencies to fight trafficking in persons.

The Justice of Appeal said this on Friday in Mangochi when he presided over the official opening of a two-day workshop aimed at combatting trafficking in persons organised by the Attorney General Alliance—Africa (AGA-Africa) in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.

Chipetasaid trafficking in persons is a threat to the country as Malawi remains a source, transit and destination of trafficked and smuggled persons.

He said: “The offence is common in border towns of Mchinji, Karonga, Mwanza and Ntcheu, which are used as entry and exit points.

“There is, therefore, a threat of local children being trafficked and smuggled out, as modified vehicles used for timber transportation, cargo containers, newly imported vehicles and other modes of transport are used.”

In an effort to combat the vice, he said Malawi is working on a 4Ps model—Partnership, Prosecution, Prevention and Protection—to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted timely.

In his opening remarks, Supreme Court of Kenya Justice Isaac Lenaola noted that trafficking in persons is one of the most lucrative criminal activities globally and Malawi, like many other African countries, is also affected by both domestic and cross-border trafficking.

“A collaborative approach is crucial in tackling this crime,” he said.

In an interview on the sidelines of the workshop, senior assistant chief State advocate in the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) Dzikondianthu Malundaechoed the need for collaboration between ODPP, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services and police to combat these crimes.

Related Articles

Back to top button